In Darwin’s Footsteps

A series of short leisurely walks retracing Charles Darwin’s climb

THIS TOUR IS PART OF NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK 2019.

IN COLLABORATION WITH BEAKER STREET @TMAG.

We will leave TMAG by bus to Myrtle Gully for a short stroll; the towering tree ferns beside the trail witnessed Charles Darwin during his first failed attempt to ascend kunanyi.

We’ll then loop back to the car to continue up the mountain for another short walk out to the Octopus Tree; an enormous Eucalyptus tree with a leggy root system hugging a giant boulder. Yep, just like an octopus!

After another short drive to the Springs we will relax and enjoy a hot refreshment and snack. We’ll leave from here to the Ice House Track rejoining Darwin’s successful climb and hear about the groundbreaking work of weather-man Clement Wragge.

Back to the car for another short drive to the summit of kunanyi / Mt Wellington where we will take in the sights of Hobart and beyond, marvelling at the range of environments that the mountain offers from the coastal through to the alpine plateau.

The journey will finish at the Evolve Bar at the MACq 01 Hotel, where we’ll enjoy a sumptuous cocktail while chatting about evolution with UTAS biologist Matt Fielding. Then we’ll all head across the street to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery for [email protected], the pop-up science bar!